Strasbourg, 04.11.2003 – The Council of Europe’s Commission against Racism and Intolerance today released its second report on San Marino.

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) recognises that positive developments have occurred in this country and notes that, over recent years, San Marino has taken a number of steps to combat racism and intolerance. At the same time, the report details continuing grounds for concern for the Commission.

If manifestations of racism are not of an ideological or violent form in San Marino, there appear to exist latent, and, in some cases, overt prejudices and stereotypes towards certain groups of persons, notably belonging to the non-citizen population. ECRI therefore recommends that further steps be taken to raise awareness and combat prejudices among the general public. Furthermore, certain aspects of San Marino's citizenship legislation are a cause for concern, especially as regards transmission of citizenship to children, but also naturalisation. ECRI notes that a clear mission statement and strategy to integrate the non-citizen population into San Marino's society and ensure their full participation remains to be elaborated and implemented.

This new report forms part of a second cycle of monitoring of Council of Europe member states’ laws, policies and practices in order to combat racism. ECRI’s country-specific reports (available on the internet site www.coe.int/ecri in English and French) cover all member states on an equal footing, in the perspective of the protection of human rights.